In a firm response to the surge in antisemitism, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has put into motion an executive order aimed at strengthening the policies against hate speech in higher education. The state's colleges and universities are now tasked to revise their free speech policies, which must entail a solid definition of antisemitism and specify sanctions, potentially as severe as expulsion, for those found guilty of antisemitic rhetoric. According to information obtained by The Dallas Morning News, the new directive also calls for the enforcement of these policies against groups like the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine.

The executive order is set to swiftly to combat a recent spike in alarms raised by colleges over antisemitic incidents, following an attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians last October. The presence of antisemitic graffiti at Jewish student group facilities and the chanting of slogans such as "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" during campus protests have raised flags. As reported by KXAN, Gov. Abbott said, "Antisemitism is never acceptable in Texas, and we will do everything we can to fight it."

This move comes as the Anti-Defamation League records a marked increase in antisemitic occurrences on campuses. The order received the ADL's backing, which has been in consultation with college officials to enhance Jewish student safety. "We support Governor Abbott's executive order and hope this effort can be replicated for other marginalized groups targeted by hate on college campuses," the ADL expressed in a statement relayed by KXAN.

There has been a mix of dismay and resolve across the Texan academic landscape. Sarah Jones, a Jewish student at Texas State University, felt a profound disappointment, seeing an innate bond with fellow Jewish students marred by acts of discrimination. "It hurts your soul a little bit just to see that kind of hate being spread," she told KXAN. Meanwhile, across campuses, authorities are gearing up to thoroughly scrutinize and alter their policies in line with the Governor's orders. Texas State University assured in a statement, "Texas State University is reviewing the Governor’s executive order and will take the necessary steps to ensure compliance in a timely manner."

Abbott's crackdown on anti-Jewish sentiment has been underpinned by a sense of urgency, with public universities expected to report revisions to their free speech policies within the coming 90 days. The move is designed not only to reinforce the security of Jewish community members on campuses but also to serve as a template for protective measures across various factions of society likely to face bigotry.